Kukla's Korner Hockey

No one wants to return to the pre-lockout days, when players water-skied off opponents, particularly grievous in the neutral zone. Still, must the NHL call the love taps on shin pads?

In some games, officials do.

On Hockey Night In Canada’s Coach’s Corner last Saturday, Don Cherry showed a set of highlights to illustrate the dubious nature of many slashing and hooking calls. On any given night in the NHL, a player brushing his stick against another player’s shin pads or pants can result in a penalty.